Coventry's famous ring-road will become a giant cycle path for a biking festival set to take over the city
On Sunday, August 5, the ring-road will be closed off to traffic for a free-to-enter cycle fun day which will allow participants to cycle through some of the city’s iconic locations – including the famous cathedral ruins.
The Let’s Ride event will have two festival zones in Broadgate and Millennium Place offering music, street food and activities.
In a day to remember for the city’s cycling enthusiasts, there will be a mountain bike stunt show, competitive cycling challenges, guided rides around the city and a chance to test your mettle on a tandem or a racing bike.
The festival begins in Broadgate at 11am and finishes at 3pm.
The full cycle route around the ring-road is six kilometres.
Councillor Jayne Innes, cabinet member for city services, said: ”I love the HSBC UK Let’s Ride events and I’m really pleased we’re hosting one again this year.
“The main attraction this time is being able to cycle through the cathedral ruins, as well as cycle on a traffic-free ring-road.
The free event is a great way to take part in a healthy and fun activity and there’s a shorter route for anyone that doesn’t feel they can do the whole route.”
But cycling campaigner, James Avery, claims the council needs to make riding a bike in the city safe for every day of the year and not just one.
“It is time for the council to stop pretending it cares about cycling – this event has achieved nothing in 5 years,” he said.
“It would be better if they just scrapped it altogther.
“We need safe 365 days cycling for everyone.”
To register or download an information pack including the route visit: http://www.letsride.co.uk/events/coventry
The ring road was originally built with cycle tracks but they were later removed!
